“A Life Extra Ordinary” at The Gift Theatre. A mysterious memory play that untangles and reassembles the moments that make a life. Through November 20. For tickets and more information visit thegifththeatre.org

“The Room” at A Red Orchid Theatre. Rose prefers to stay in, safe from the hostile world outside. But when her seemingly cozy sanctuary is continually being invaded, it becomes increasingly unclear whether the menace comes from within or without. Through November 13. For tickets and more information visit aredorchidtheatre.org

“while our blood’s still young” at Genesis Ensemble. This high-energy messy romp explores exhaustion as it relates to contemporary experience. Through October 18. For tickets and more information visit genesisensemble.org

Tuesday

“Red Velvet” at Raven Theatre. The backstage story of African-American actor Ira Aldridge and how he became the first black actor to perform on a London stage. Through November 27. For tickets and more information visit raventheatre.com

“Porchlight Revisits: The Rink” at Porchlight Music Theatre. A coming-of-age and coming-to-terms story full of brassy ballads for gutsy ladies. Through October 6. For tickets and more information visit porchlightmusictheatre.org

“Jettison” at Gorilla Tango Theatre. At the end of the world, three people find a shed in the woods. What happens, no one could have foreseen. Through October 14. For tickets and more information visit gorillatango.com

“Unquenched: Baudelaire in a Box, Episode 9” at Theater Oobleck. The penultimate episode of the “Baudelaire in a Box” cantastoria series based on Charles Baudelaire’s debauched 1861 classic, “Les Fleurs du mal.” Through October 16. For tickets and more information visit theateroobleck.com

“There’s Just Something About Bloody Mary” at The Annoyance Theatre. A sharp, witty revue that blends horror movie tropes with a dangerous and funny take on the female experience. Wednesdays through November 2. For tickets and more information visit theannoyance.com

“Apartment 3A” at Windy City Playhouse. A romantic comedy that follows a young woman as she attempts to get her life back on track after a painful breakup and an impulsive day at work. Through December 18. For tickets and more information visit windycityplayhouse.com

“In Falsitas Veritas” at Under the Gun Theater. A comedian’s attempt to discover the mythological beast known as TRUTH—if it even exists. Thursdays through October 27. For tickets and more information visit underthegun.theater

Friday

“The Epic of Gilgamesh As Told By Mr. George Smith, Associate Curator For The British Museum (deceased)” at The Plagiarists. The story of humanity’s oldest story and the man who discovered it. Through October 29. For tickets and more information visit theplagiarists.org

“Just the Numbers” at Chicago Slam Works. A day in the life of students taking yet another standardized test. Through November 11. For tickets and more information visit chicagoslamworks.com

“Let Me Entertain You: Jule Styne’s Greatest Hits” at Light Opera Works. A concert of Broadway, Hollywood and popular songs by the one and only Jule Styne. Through October 16. For tickets and more information visit light-opera-works.org

“Nightmares on Lincoln Ave 8” at Corn Productions. A horror parody tribute to such iconic films as “The Faculty,” “Disturbing Behavior” and “The Craft.” Through October 29. For tickets and more information visit cornservatory.org

“Are You Still Afraid of the Dark?” at Under the Gun Theater. Revisiting the Midnight Society to tell an improvised campfire tale of terror. Fridays through October 28. For tickets and more information visit underthegun.theater

“Pay 2 Slay” at The Public House Theatre. A Halloween-themed sketch romp through stories of ghouls, goblins, aliens and angst-ridden horror stars. Fridays and Saturdays through October 29. For tickets and more information visit thepubtheatre.com

“MixTape: Greatest Hits” at Od Theatre Company. A late-night show of live music videos followed by a set from local Chicago musicians. One part performance, one part party, all fun. Through October 8. For tickets and more information visit facebook.com/OdTheatreChicago

Olivia Cygan in rehearsal for “The Burials” at Steppenwolf for Young Adults/Photo: Joel Moorman

“Wicked City” at Chicago Theatre Workshop. A detective deals with both his domineering but loving mother and the smoldering temptress who comes between them. Through October 30. For tickets and more information visit facebook.com/chicagotheatreworkshop

“Dr. Seward’s Dracula” at First Folio Theatre. Picking up just after the end of Bram Stoker’s tale of the Prince of Darkness, Seward tries to explain multiple dead bodies to the police now that Dracula is dead. Through November 6. For tickets and more information visit firstfolio.org

“Smokin’ Hott Brains” at Stage 773. In their scintillating new show, Mollie Rehner and Katie Nixon take on the world’s biggest battle: Head vs. Heart. Saturdays through October 29. For tickets and more information visit stage773.com

“Creepers Gonna Creep” at Scream Theatre. An evening of horror-inspired comedic improvisation, storytelling and music. Saturdays through October 29. For tickets and more information visit facebook.com/screamtheatre

Sunday

“Dying City” at The Comrades. One year after his suspicious death, a young soldier’s wife and twin brother meet for the first time since the funeral. Through October 30. For tickets and more information visit the-comrades.com

“bare: a pop opera” at Refuge Theatre Project. Gay and straight teenage characters deal with their emerging sexuality. The pastoral guidance they receive from their teachers is not always affirming. Through November 6. For tickets and more information visit refugetheatre.com

“Scared Sh*tless” at The LIVINGroom. October is the season to be frightened. Fittingly this month’s ensemble of solo artists confront what really, really scares them. For tickets and more information visit facebook.com/LIVINGroomsolo